Next Lord of the Rings Online Expansion Brings Isengard in Fall 2011

Take on Saruman as Isengard comes to LOTRO with a 70 level cap and enhanced Monster Play.

Ever dream of journeying to Isengard within the confines of an MMORPG? You'll have that opportunity later next year when the next expansion pack for The Lord of the Rings Online is released. Rise of Isengard will, naturally, allow players to move into the region of Isengard (complete with Saruman's tower, Orthanc) and increase the level cap to level 70.

"2010 has been a year of unprecedented growth for The Lord of the Rings Online with our successful introduction of a free-to-play option for our players," said executive producer Kate Paiz. "This is going to be another outstanding year for the game as we progress on our journey toward Mordor and it all begins with our upcoming November update. The journey will carry through 2011 ending with our arrival in the epic region of Isengard where players will confront the raging war and shadow that has spread across Middle-earth."

Along with the level cap increase, you'll naturally gain access to new traits, virtues, skills, and quests. Monster Play will be getting an upgrade to allow for all players to take part in it, with the announcement also mentioning unspecified "changes to monster player skills and advancement."

When Rise of Isengard is released in fall 2011, it'll be available on the LOTRO in-game store. No price has been announced at this point, although it seems safe to assume that a substantial amount of content like this is likely to cost more than pretty much anything else that is currently available for purchase in-game with real-world money.